We All Do It Because of God’s Unconditional Gift—Love
I recently read this line from a blog by Ellen Stumbo on “The Mighty”: “Some people might look on as we parent kids with disabilities and think our lives must be hard.” Simply stated, yes, it is! BUT…as parents we just do as all parents do—disability or not—love our children. And as Stumbo’s blog continues, “but even though there are hard days and hard moments and hard hours, they do not steer our lives. What really matters — what is most important—is love.”
Folks, I can play my violin and tell you about the tough days. Just this past Tuesday, for the millionth time I was told it took over an hour to get my daughter off the bus to get into school. Upon arriving home, it took over an hour to get her off the bus, then off the sidewalk just to get into the house. Amidst all this, the neighbor was patiently waiting in his car because my little Soa was sitting in front of his driveway. However, God does always send an angel. The bus monitor with her always patient demeanor said, “Soa is like any child, just having a day.”
As frustrated and helpless I felt this past Tuesday, my 14-year-old baby’s face made me melt. Folks, this is how a parent loves, and I’m sure you can relate. Whether your child has autism, another disability, a learning delay or just exhibiting some behavior issues, we love them anyway, and would give our last drop of blood just to see them live their best life. And for me, with all the nuances on my own life’s resume, God has continuously shown me his grace, mercy and love. So, how could I not do the same for my daughter, my sole drive to live!
So, parents—parenting is not an easy road. Yet, how blessed we are that we have our Father in heaven’s unconditional love that we can in turn, bestow to our children—disability or not.
I’ll leave this scripture with you: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
A tough act to follow, but parents—we do this every minute of the day.
Next Thursday, December 15 at 7 p.m., join Rockaway Beach Autism Families at our 4th Annual Holiday Party happening at Knights of Columbus (333 Beach 90th Street). The party is free, and all are welcome to attend! Plus, don’t miss Rockaway Beach Dance Company ’s dance performance and Old Saint Nick adding his “Ho, ho, ho” to our special gathering. Huge shout out to Richie Knott and the folks at KofC for hosting us, and the plethora of business and individuals who contributed to make our event happen. Also, it’s not too late to donate a gift to RBAF’s toy drive or free holiday gift raffle. For further info, email kami@rockawaybeachautismfamilies.org or visit Rockaway Beach Autism Families on Facebook/Instagram. Join us in making the holidays merry for our autism community.
